How to choose the right skateboard

Have fun getting into boardsports with the right skateboard! Play around in the skatepark, do a few tricks or just go for a ride on your board thanks to our many tips for helping you choose the right model.

THE FUN OF SKATEBOARDING

Skateboarding is a sport like no other. You can enjoy the sensation of gliding along or learn a whole host of tricks, from the simplest to the most spectacular: Ollies, kickflips, board slides... It doesn't matter how good you are, you'll always have loads of fun messing around on a skateboard. In fact, skateboarding really is perfect for any kind of use.

Even kids can have a go thanks to our beginners' skateboards, protective gear and helmets. All of this kit is designed to make you as safe as possible, from bearings that stop you going too fast, to sturdy wheels and a nice wide board.

For adults or people who've got the basics under their belt, you can get a higher spec board that opens up a world of new opportunities. Intermediates and experts will know exactly what features their board needs. How you use your board is one of the criteria for helping you identify your top priorities before buying one. Once you reach a certain level, you'll be able to do complicated tricks on gaps, stairs, ledges, rims and rails. You therefore need to know your ability and what you want to get out of your equipment before choosing your skateboard.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOARD

A key element when choosing your skateboard is the size of the board. It varies depending on several criteria and there are different styles available, such as longboards and cruisers. First up, if you want to use your board for doing tricks in the urban jungle, you need something measuring between 7.25 and 7.625 inches. On the other hand, if you'd rather use your board at the skatepark, go for one that's between 7.625 and 8.25 inches.

But be aware that it will also depend on your weight. The heavier you are, the wider your deck will need to be and the better your shoes should be.

For children, you should get a beginners' skateboard with a wide deck. However, for a beginner adult it'll be easier to do the most basic tricks with a narrower, lighter board that's easier to handle. The shape is also really important. This is all about the curve between the two ends, known as the nose and the tail. We recommend trying out several different kinds of board before picking the one you like best. Different people feel at ease with different degrees of curve. The deck should preferably be made of Canadian maple or a blend of this wood and others. Lastly, the grips, where you come into contact with your board, should also be taken into account. You need to make sure you get sufficient hold.

TRUCKS, WHEELS AND BEARINGS

Skateboard trucks form the link between the wheels and the deck. There are different ways of attaching them depending on how you want to use your skateboard. High trucks are recommended for beginners and intermediates. They work really well with different skateboarding disciplines. Low trucks are better designed for enthusiasts wanting to do more complicated tricks on ledges, for example. The ABEC scale defines the tolerance of bearings. Bearings with high numbers are for high performance boards. Higher numbers are designed for experienced skaters. For children, go for ABEC 1 or 3 bearings. For beginner adults, ABEC 5, the most common kind, is perfect. For intermediates, ABEC 7 or 9 is recommended if you want to go faster and more smoothly, unless you're a skatepark fan whose board experiences a lot of impacts, in which case you should keep your ABEC 3 or 5s. Your wheels should be chosen based on their size and hardness. The harder the wheel, the faster it will go but the more sensitive it will be to vibrations. This type of wheel is therefore not recommended for beginners or intermediates, who should opt for softer wheels that grip the road better and feel more comfortable.

Now that you've got more of an idea of what you're looking for, it's time to watch our tutorials to help you get to grips with the best skateboarding tricks.